The Department for Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, University of Würzburg (Germany), offers a Research Scientist (Postdoc) position with a focus on pollinator ecology for three years with a possible extension. The position builds upon long-term research activities of the group on the ecology of wild bees and hoverflies in the context of land-use and climate change and landscape-scale effects. The successful candidate will work as part of Safeguard, which brings together world-leading researchers, NGOs, and industry and policy experts to help Europe reverse the losses of wild pollinators and their values and ecosystem services.
The research scientist will:
- Analyse existing data sets on pollinator diversity, community dynamics and plant-pollinator interactions as well as data sets from large-scale experiments with below- and above-ground nesting bees;
- Have the opportunity to develop own research activities;
- Provide science-based recommendations on which combinations of existing and new agri-environmental schemes and conservation measures can be used to make agricultural landscapes more pollinator-friendly.
Your profile
- PhD degree in Ecology or a similar discipline with a background in bee ecology;
- Very good knowledge of ecological statistics (using R);
- Very good writing and communication skills;
- Ability to work independently, self-motivation, willingness to supervise BSc, MSc and PhD students;
- Practical experience in using GIS and DNA-metabarcoding of pollen or insect samples;
- English and German language skills.
What we offer
- Membership in an ambitious research team;
- Modern facilities;
- International research environment;
- Opportunity to cooperate in ongoing and shape emerging research programs.
Salary and benefits are according to public service positions in Germany (TVL, full position. The position is suitable for part-time employment). Female scientists are particularly encouraged to apply. Disabled applicants will be preferentially considered in case of equivalent qualification. Earliest possible start date is 15th of September 2023.
How to apply
Please send your application as a single pdf file per-email to Prof. Ingolf Steffan-Dewenter ingolf.steffan@uni-wuerzburg.de> and Prof. Andrea Holzschuh andrea.holzschuh@uni-wuerzburg.de> no later than 1st of July 2023. Applications should include a cover letter, a short summary of research interests, CV, complete certificates, and the names (with email addresses) of two potential referees.
Deadline
The deadline for submission is 1st of July 2023.